The alternative sources of caffeine…Try yerba maté or guarana. —Arrietty GrayDoctor's note: Yerba maté tea's caffeine content is roughly the same as coffee's, but guarana is twice as strong—keep daily doses between 200 and 800 mg.

The do-anywhere fix…Rub the edges of your ears between two fingers from the very top all the way to the bottom a few times. —Chris PadillaAcupuncturist's note: In traditional Chinese medicine, the upper part of the body is associated with more active energies. Massaging the ears increases this energy, creating a sense of wakefulness.

The supplement…Take L-tyrosine. —Allison Waldman HolmanDoctor's note: It ups production of dopamine and norepinephrine, making you more alert. Keep dosages between 500 and 1,000 mg.

These reader suggestions have been reviewed by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, an integrative medicine physician in Kona, HI, and Paul Kemawikasit Alexander, an acupuncturist in New York City. Consult your doctor before treating serious or chronic conditions or if you are pregnant or nursing.